Pouring closure attachment



Jam 2, 1951 I w. H. DUGGAN 2,536,160

POURING CLOSURE ATTACHMENT Filed March 18, 1947 Patented Jan. 2, 195i UNITED STATES PAENT OFFICE This invention relates, in general, to pouring closure attachments for bottles and the like, and' has particular relation to an improved reuseable pouring attachment adapted to be attached to and removed from the neck of a bottle or the like expeditiously, and which is operable to pour the contents irorn the bottle in an improved manner.

While the pouring attachments of the present invention are particularly adapted for pouring alcoholic liquor, such as whiskey, brandy, rum and the like, they are also adapted for pouring cordials, wine and any other fluids, for sample, bleaching fluid, water for storage batteries or for watering plants, kerosene, gasoline, oil, and for all similar purposes.

Unless the air is exhausted to create a vacuum, bottles containing liquid are always filled with air and liquid regardless of the amount of liquid in the bottle. If the balance of air and liquid is not maintained, or air is not supplied instantly to ll the space vacated by the liquid, the liquid will not iiow out in a smooth even stream. Insuicient air or interruption of the passage of air into the bottle instantly affects the manner in which the liquid flows from the bottle. When the bottle is tilted to pouring position the liquid flows out the bore in the neck of the bottle. The air in the bottle is above the liquid, and the entering air and discharging liquid must pass in opposite directions. The resistance to the entry of air depends upon the amount of liquid in the bottle, the density of the liquid, and the dimensions of the channel. Liquid cannot be poured through the bore in the neck of a bottle in a smooth, even stream if the air must enter through the same channel through which the liquid is discharged, particularly if the bottle is full.

Therefore two channels have been provided, one for the discharge of liquid and the other for the entry of air. The capacity of these channels governs the speed of ow, and their arrangement governs the manner or character of flow. The space available within the neck of the bottle is limited. One form of prior two-channel device comprises a small air vent tube within a larger diameter pouring tube. These air vent tubes must be small because of the limited space within the neck of the bottle, and, as a result, the air venting action is unduly restricted with undesirable results. These difficulties are increased where the liquid pouring spout and the restricted air tube are turned or bent laterally at their outer ends, which is usually required to prevent a rush of liquid from splashing out of the receiving receptacle in pouring from the bottle.

Moreover it is frequently desirable to provide a sleeve or jacket of resilient material, such as cork., to provide a non-leaking joint between the neck of the bottle and the tube of the attachment which is inserted therein. With the prior art devices having an air vent tube Within the pourtube if the pouring tube is made as large as possible in an effort to reduce restriction in the.

air vent tube, the thickness and therefore the life or durability and the resilience of the sleeve or jacket is reduced. If the thickness of the sleeve or jacket is increased the restrictionin the air vent tube and pouring tube is further in creased.

One of the main objects of the present inven tion is to provide an improved form of pouringby attachment with which the problems previously' of the receiving receptacle; also a pouring at tachment which will assure a speedier flow of.

liquid from the bottle and without jerking, sputtering or the like. l

Another object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment that may be used With f various liquids of various densities without clogging or interruption of the air supply or liquid discharge due to the character of the liquid or clogging or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment having the advantages set forth and to the outer end of the spout of which a single cap or closure may be applied to prevent dust, germs, insects or other foreign matter from entering the pouring and air vent channels or contacting the surfaces thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment in which ow of the liquid from the bottle is not stopped by iilling of the air channel with liquid; also a pouring attachment for discharging liquid from the bottle withi out splashing, spluttering or dribbling of the liquid, and without the liquid running down the outside of the bottle and onto surroundings.

Another object of the invention is to provide in conjunction with a pouring attachment of the class described, boring means for coring a cork for the neck of the bottle to receive the attachment tube of the pouring attachment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment having means for regulating the speed of i-low of the liquid through the attachment and/or for otherwise controlling the flow of liquid from the bottle.

Another object of the invention is to provide a pouring attachment of the class described having various features of novelty and advantages, and which is particularly characterized by its simplicity in construction, its economy in manufacture, its effectiveness in use; also by the absence of moving parts or the like, and by the ability of the device to be conveniently applied to and removed from the bottle for use with different bottles.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will appear from the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing which illustrates the manner of constructing and using certain illustrative embodiments of the invention.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the neck of a bottle showing one form of pouring attachment embodying the present invention applied thereto;

Figure 2 is a sectional view taken on the line 2--2 of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of Figure 1;

- Figure 6 is a sectional view similar to Figure 2 showing another form of partition for the pouring spout and chamber of a device of the type shown in Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a vertical sectional view through another form of pouring attachment embodying the present invention; and

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view through a further form of pouring attachment embodying this invention.

,I Referring now to the drawing, the embodiment of` the invention shown in Figures 1 through 5 comprises an attachment tube I adapted for insertion into the mouth or neck 2 of a bottle or other liquid containing vessel.

The outer end of the tube I is suitable secured in or formed integral with the inner end wall 3 of a pouring chamber 4 which may be of generally cylindrical or other suitable or preferred shape. The chamber 4 is closed at its outer end at 5, and adjacent thereto the side wall of the chamber has a pouring spout 6 which is preferably tilted or inclined upwardly to its outer end, although this may vary.

The walls of the chamber 4 may be formed, for example, of polystyrene or other synthetic resin or v'plastic material, or they may be formed of any other material, preferably material which will have no deleterious effect on the liquid contents of the bottle. The pouring spout B and tube I may beformed of metal, preferably of a character or plated so as not to have any deleterious or unfavorable action on the liquid contents of the bottle. By making the walls of the chamber 4 of transparent character, the pouring action may be seen from the outside.

The tube I has secured rthereon a sleeve or jacket 1 comprising, for example, a cork cored axially to receive the tube l. The outer surface of the cork 1 is shown of tapered form, with its smaller diameter at the inner end of the tube l. This facilitates introduction of the cork int-o the opening in the neck of the bottle, and provides a non-leak and cushioned mounting of the attachment therein.

A partition 8, mounted within the chamber 4, comprises a disc 8a tightly tting the inner periphery of the side wall of the chamber 4 in spaced relation to the end wall 5 and an integral tongue 9. The tongue 9 is of a width equal to the internal diameter of the spout 6 and extends outwardly through the spout at the diameter or axis thereof, thus dividing the spout into two arcuate channels Ga and 6b of equal size or cross section. The tongue 9, by its disposition at the axis or diameter of the spout 6 holds the partition 8 in place and against displacement without additional securing means, although such additional securing means may be employed, if desired. The outer end of the partition or tongue 9 preferably terminates short of the end of the spout 6 as shown in Figure 1 so that liquid, if any, which flows through channel 6a may join the stream which flows out through channel 6b.

The outer periphery of the disc 8a has an arcuate notch I0 which places the liquid chamber 4a in communication with the air chamber 4b. The chamber 4a opens into the liquid discharge channel 6b, and the chamber 4b opens into the air admission channel 6a. The partition 8 may be formed of metal, preferably of a character or plated so as not to have any deleterious effect on the liquid contents of the bottle, or it may be formed of any other suitable or preferred material.

In Figure 1, the tube I is shown as having an integral corer II extending inwardly therefrom. The opposite tubular side walls of the corer II are cut away to form openings I2 which extend longitudinally, for example, from the inner end of the cork 'I to position short of the inner end of the corer. The inner end of the corer is circular at I3, and this circular end I3 is connected to the tube I by the diametrically opposite and relatively narrow walls I4 which extend from the tube I to the circular end I3 of the corer. The lower edge of the end I3 may be sharpened as at I5. The corer II may be formed of metal, such as stainless steel, and of a character or plated so as not to have any deleterious or unfavorable effect on the liquid contents of the bottle.

A thin flat partition I8 of a character similar to the tongue 9 is mounted within and extends longitudinally through the length of the attachment tube I. This partition is of a width equal to the internal diameter of the tube I and is disposed diametrically across the interior of the tube and thus divides the same into two arcuate channels l8a and [8b of the same size.

Like the channels 6a and 6b in the spout 6,;

each of the channels I8a and |819 is of maximum size for the restricted space within the neck 2 ofthe bottle. By its disposition at the axis or diameter of the tube I the partition I8 is held againstv displacement without additional securing means,

although such means may be provided if desired.v

The partition has a tight t within the tube I, but may be adapted for movement longitudinally for adjustment purposes and for self-retention in its different adjusted positions.

In use, the bottle may be tilted to pouring position, with the mouth of the spout 6 directed generally downwardly and in or over the receiving receptable, such as a glass forr serving liquor. The liquid in the bottle enters the attachment through the openings I2 and hows through tube I into chamber 4a. Partition `Ii diverts the liquid toward channel 6b, and al1` enters chamber 4b through channel 6a and passes through opening I into chamber a from which it enters the bottle through tube I. The chamber 4a being lled with air and liquid and opening l0 being above the opening into the liquid channel 6b, the liquid flows through channel tb and out of the mouth of spout 6 in a smooth even stream.

The force or rush of the liquid as it ilowsk out--Y wardly from the bottle is spent by contact with the partition 8 also by reason of the positioning of the opening into channel 6b out of alignment with the opening in the inlet tube I and the arrangement of the spout 6 laterally of chamber 4a. In the event liquid enters air chamber 4b through opening Ill, such liquid will flow out through channel 6a'. Channel 6a having the same inside dimensions as liquid channel 6b, air and liquid will pass in opposite directions, and the liquid flowing out through channel 6a will join the stream flowing out through channel 6b adjacent to the outer end of the spout 6. The air chamber and channel 6a may be lled with liquid when the bottle is tilted with the mouth of spout `6 upward. Then when the mouth of spout 6 is turned downward, the influence of gravitation causes the liquid to now out, thus instantly clearing the air passage. Therefore it is impossible to choke off the air supply to opening' I0 with liquid.

In one illustrative embodiment of the invention the diameter of the opening I0 may be 1/3 inch or more, and the wall or length of this operiing is the thickness of the material of partition 8, which may be, for example, als inch or less. Liquid will flow out at the rate of about one ounce in three seconds when the bottle is tilted to about The speed of flow may be increased 30% or more by inserting partition I8 in the transverse center of inlet tube 6 between the opening in wall 3 and the upper end of the pouring extension.

Further to prevent splashing, the interior of the chamber lia may be provided with a baffle 40 adjacent to the inner end of the spout `Ii.

To core the cork to t on the tube I, the original container closure cork may be cored without removing the cork from the container by placing the free end of the corer at the center of the cork and pressing and turning it simultaneously to cut the corer axially through the cork. When the end of the corer protrudes through the cork, the corer is pulled out. The core 20 of the cork will now be in the corer. The core 2t may be removed, for example, by inserting a suitable instrument through one of the openings vi2 above the core 2t and forcing the core out of the corer. By leaving the core 20 in place in the corer and pushing it up toward the upper ends of the openings I2 or moving it downwardly from the upper ends of the openings 1.42, the speed of now of the liquid from the bottle may be adjusted.

A spout cap ZI ts telescopically over the outer end of the spout 6 and is adapted to be slipped from the spout to open the same for use. The single cap 2 I, when in place, closes the outer ends of both channels 6a and 6b and prevents dust, germs, insects or other foreign matter from entering or contacting the pouring and air vent surfaces of the spout. It also prevents evaporation 6. of the contents of the bottle when it is not in use.

The modified form of partition 8 shown in Figure 6 is similar to the partition 8 shown in the preceding embodiment of the invention except that the disc 8a is of semi-circular form with the part removed along the line 22 forming the opening which functions similar to the opening l0 of the preceding embodiment of the invention.

The pouring attachment shown in Figure '7 is similar to the pouring attachment shown in Figure- 1 except that the corer is removed or omitted.- The various parts of this form of attachment are indicated by double primed reference characters corresponding with the reference characters used in Figure 1.` The baille 40 is provided within the chamberk 4a" adjacent to the inner end. of the spout s" further to prevent splashing.

The device shown in Figure 8 is a screw-on type of device adapted to be screwed at 35 onto the neck of the bottle and having an axial opening and an outer externally threaded end adapted to receive the internally threaded part '35 of the device. This device is otherwise similar to Figure 7 and the various parts of the attachment are indicated by triple primed reference characters corresponding with the reference characters used in Figure 7. The baille 40' corresponds with the baille originally described in connection with Figure 1.

The dimension of the air passageway or chan-V nel of each embodiment of the invention is such as to permit air and liquid to pass through the air passage in opposite directions simultaneously. This is accomplished notwithstanding the restricted space available in the neck of the bottle.

The sizes and shapes of the channels prevent interruption of the air supply to the bottle by liquid entering the air channel; also by congregation of air bubbles or stratication which occurs where liquid dries on the inner wall of the air channel and deposits a thin coat on said walls repeatedly, such deposits gradually reducing the capacity to a degree that may interrupt the air supply where the air channel is in the' form of' a restricted tube or of other restricted form.

With the vpresent invention, liquid may pour through both channels of the device without stopping or interrupting the entry of air. The device will pour laterally in any desired position; alsov with the bottle substantially upside down.

The embodiments of the invention shown in the drawing are for illustrative purposes only, and. it is to be expressly understood that said drawing and the accompanying specification are not to be construed as a definition of the limits or scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims for that purpose.

I claim:

1. A pouring closure attachment for bottles and the like comprising, in combination, a closure member adapted to be applied to an opening in a bottle, an inlet tube carried by said member, a chamber at the outer end of said tube, a pouring spout extending laterally from said chamber, and a partition disposed transversely across said chamber adjacent to the inner end of said spout and having a tongue extending into said spout and disposed diametrically across the interior of the spout to divide the same into two channels of substantially equal and maximum size; one of said channels being for the discharge of liquid from the bottle inwardly of the partition in said chamber and the other for the entry of air into the bottle through said chamber outwardly 0i said partition, said partition having an opening piaeing the portion of said chamber outwardly of the partition in communication with the portion f the chamber inwardly of the partition.

2. A pouring attachment according to claim 1 wherein a second partition extends longitudinally within said inlet tube and is disposed diametrically across the interior of said tube to divide the same into two channels of substantially equal and maximum size for the space available in the opening in the bottle and wherein said second partition is adjustable to regulate the iiow of liquid through said attachment.

3. A pouring attachment according to claim 1 wherein a second partition extends longitudinally within said inlet tube and is disposed diametrically acrossthe interior of said tube to divide the same into twol channels of substantially equal and maximum size for ythe space available in the opening in the bottle and wherein said inlet tube has a coi-ing member extending inwardly from its inner end.

4l. A pouring attachment according to claim 1 wherein a second partition extends longitudinally within said inlet tube and is disposed diametrically across the interior of said tube to divide the same into two channels of substantially equal and maximum size for the space available in the opening in the bottle and wherein said inlet tube has a coring member extending inwardly from its inner end, said coring member being adapted to core an opening in a cork to receive said attachment and to support the core removed from the cork for axial movement to diierent positions in the coring member to regulate the ow from the bottle.

5. A pouring closure attachment according to claim 1 wherein there is a spout cap adapted to be detachably applied over the outer end of said spout to close the ends of both of said channels against entry of foreign matter.

6. A pouring closure attachment according to claim 1 wherein the closure member comprises a stopper sleeve mounted on said inlet tube at the inner end of said chamber.

7. A pouring closure attachment according to claim 1 wherein the tongue dividing the pouring spout projects from vthe partition dividing the chamber and wherein the opening placing the portion of the chamber outwardly of the partition in communication with the portion of the chamber inwardly of the partition is formed in the partition and located substantially diametrically opposite the pouring spout.

8. A pouring closure attachment according to claim 1V wherein there is also a baie within the interior of said chamber and adjacent to the inner end of said pouring spout further to prevent splashing.

9.`A yliquid dispenser comprising, in combination, a closure member adapted to be applied to a liquid container and comprising a chamber having means defining an inlet passage opening into the inner end of said chamber, a partition disposed transversely across said chamber and dividing the interior of the same into an inner chamber part and an outer chamber part with said inlet passage in communication with said inner chamber part, an outlet spout extending from said chamber, and a partition dividing the interior of said spout into a iirst channel in communication with said outer chamber part and a second channel in communication with said inner chamber part, said dispenser having an opening placing said outer chamber part in communication with said inner chamber part.

10. A liquid dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the closure member comprises an internally threaded tubular part at the inner end of said chamber for screwing onto the neck of a bottle.

11. A liquid dispenser according to claim 9 wherein there is a spout cap adapted to be detachably applied over the outer end of said outlet spout to close the outer ends of both said channels against entry of foreign matter.

12. A liquid dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the inlet opening is at the bottom of the inner chamber part and at substantially the center of the inner chamber part, said opening placing the interior of the container to which the dispenser is applied in communication with said inner chamber part and the opening placing the outer chamber part in communication with the inner chamber part being formed in said partition adjacent the side wall of the chamber and out of alignment with said inlet opening.

13. A liquid dispenser according to claim 9 wherein the inlet opening is at the bottom of the inner chamber part and at substantially the center of the inner chamber part, said opening placing the interior of the container to which the dispenser is applied in communication with said inner chamber part and the opening placing the outer chamber part in communication with the inner chamber part being formed in said partition adjacent the side wall of the chamber and out of alignment with said inlet opening, said dispenser having a liquid outlet opening out of alignment with said inlet opening and substantially diametrically opposite the opening in said partition.

- WILLIAM H. DUGGAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 217,127 Luckhardt July 1, 1879 342,571 Booth May 25, 1886 677,719 Valentine July V2, 1901 929,153 Morrell July 27, 1909 1,342,299 Shain June 1, 1920 1,509,360 Lewis Sept. 23, 1924 1,617,066 Lush Feb. 8, 1927 1,970,798 Daly Aug. 21, 1934 2,231 564 Cooksey Feb. 11, 1941 2,387,699 Bates Oct. 23, 1945 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country f Date 1,593 Great Britain Apr. 30, 1875 13,076 France Aug. 20, 1910 546,439 France Nov. l0, 1922 

